Issue - meetings

Councillor Yousef Dahmash, Chair of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, proposed that the annual report be received by Council and was seconded by Councillor Jeff Clarke, Chair of the Communities Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chairs of the Committees each highlighted the work of their Committee and paid tribute to the invaluable support provided by Officers and more particularly the Democratic Services Team.

The following points were raised during the debate:

·       The onus on Members to further drive the scrutiny agenda and direction of travel.  

·       The challenge for new Members taking up scrutiny roles after the 2021 election

·       The importance of parity of esteem for the scrutiny function, particularly in a council with a large majority and the potential to adopt a Chair of Chairs to provide co-ordination as suggested by the Review of Scrutiny

·       That all sides of the chamber had contributed constructively to overview and scrutiny meetings

·       The focus on providing the best outcomes for residents and how even small changes could have a big impact

·       Reflection on the Review of Scrutiny and subsequent action plan.  Improvements had been achieved through the committees’ flexible, proactive, and responsive approach to corporate priorities and the use of technology

·       The exemplary role of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee, particularly for its work on women’s health and the ambulance service

·       The possibility of receiving more evidentiary contributions from frontline workers, particularly from the NHS and care organisations.

Resolved:

That Council notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021-22.